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Abstract:

A mobile communication device includes a first wireless transceiver that
receives a first inbound RF signal and that transmits a first outbound RF
signal based on a first power supply signal. A second wireless
transceiver receives a second inbound RF signal and that transmits a
second outbound RF signal based on a second power supply signal. A
processing module generates at least one power mode signal based on first
transmit power control data received via the first inbound RF signal. A
power management circuit adjusts a first power consumption parameter of
the first power supply signal and a second power consumption parameter of
the second power supply signal based on the at least one power mode
signal.

Claims:

1. A mobile communication device comprising: a first wireless transceiver
that receives a first inbound RF signal and that transmits a first
outbound RF signal at a first power level based on a first power supply
signal, wherein the first wireless transceiver includes a wireless
telephony transceiver wherein the first wireless transceiver includes a
wireless telephony transceiver; a second wireless transceiver that
receives a second inbound RF signal and that transmits a second outbound
RF signal at a second power level based on a second power supply signal,
wherein the second wireless transceiver includes a wireless telephony
transceiver; a processing module, coupled to the first wireless
transceiver and the second wireless transceiver, that generates at least
one power mode signal based on first transmit power control data received
via the first inbound RF signal from an external device; and a power
management circuit, coupled to the processing module, that adjusts, based
on the at least one power mode signal, at least one of: a first power
consumption parameter of the first power supply signal; and a second
power consumption parameter of the second power supply signal.

2. The mobile communication device of claim 1 wherein the processing
module generates the at least one power mode signal based on first
transmit power control data received via the first inbound RF signal and
based on second transmit power control data received via the second
inbound RF signal.

3. The mobile communication device of claim 1 wherein the power
management circuit adjusts the first power consumption parameter of the
first power supply signal and the second power consumption parameter of
the second power supply signal to a common value.

4. The mobile communication device of claim 1 wherein the power
management circuit adjusts the first power consumption parameter of the
first power supply signal and the second power consumption parameter of
the second power supply signal to independent values.

5. The mobile communication device of claim 1 wherein the first transmit
power control data is based on at least one of: a power selection command
received from an external device, and reception data received from the
external device.

6. The mobile communication device of claim 1 wherein the second power
consumption parameter includes one of, a power supply voltage and a power
supply current.

7. An integrated circuit comprising: a first wireless transceiver that
receives a first inbound RF signal and that transmits a first outbound RF
signal at a first selectable power level, wherein the first selectable
power level is selected based a first transmit power control signal,
wherein the first wireless transceiver includes a first wireless
telephony transceiver; a second wireless transceiver that receives a
second inbound RF signal and that transmits a second outbound RF signal
at a second selectable power level, wherein the second selectable power
level is generated based on a second transmit power control signal,
wherein the second wireless transceiver includes a second wireless
telephony transceiver; and a processing module, coupled to the first
wireless transceiver and the second wireless transceiver, that generates,
based on first transmit power control data generated by the first
wireless transceiver, at least one of: the first transmit power control
signal, and the second transmit power control signal; wherein the first
transmit power control data is generated by the first wireless
transceiver based on a power selection data received from an external
device.

8. The integrated circuit of claim 7 wherein the processing module
generates the first transmit power control signal and the second transmit
power control signal, based on first transmit power control data and
based on second transmit power control data generated by the second
wireless transceiver.

9. The integrated circuit of claim 7 wherein processing module controls
the first selectable power level and the second selectable power level to
a common value.

10. The integrated circuit of claim 7 wherein processing module controls
the first selectable power level and the second selectable power level to
independent values.

11. An integrated circuit comprising: a first wireless transceiver that
receives a first inbound RF signal and that transmits a first outbound RF
signal at a first selectable power level, wherein the first selectable
power level is selected based a first transmit power control signal,
wherein the first wireless transceiver includes a first wireless
telephony transceiver; a second wireless transceiver that receives a
second inbound RF signal and that transmits a second outbound RF signal
at a second selectable power level, wherein the second selectable power
level is generated based on a second transmit power control signal,
wherein the second wireless transceiver includes a second wireless
telephony transceiver; and a processing module, coupled to the first
wireless transceiver and the second wireless transceiver, that generates,
based on first transmit power control data generated by at least one of:
the first wireless telephony transceiver and the second wireless
telephony transceiver, the first transmit power control signal, and the
second transmit power control signal; wherein the first transmit power
control data is generated based on a power selection received from an
external device.

12. The integrated circuit of claim 11 wherein the processing module
generates the first transmit power control signal and the second transmit
power control signal, based on first transmit power control data and
based on second transmit power control data generated by the second
wireless transceiver.

13. The integrated circuit of claim 11 wherein processing module controls
the first selectable power level and the second selectable power level to
a common value.

14. The integrated circuit of claim 11 wherein processing module controls
the first selectable power level and the second selectable power level to
independent values.

15. A mobile communication device comprising: a first wireless
transceiver that receives a first inbound RF signal and that transmits a
first outbound RF signal at a first power level based on a first power
supply signal, wherein the first wireless transceiver includes a wireless
telephony transceiver wherein the first wireless transceiver includes a
wireless telephony transceiver; a second wireless transceiver that
receives a second inbound RF signal and that transmits a second outbound
RF signal at a second power level based on a second power supply signal,
wherein the second wireless transceiver includes a wireless telephony
transceiver; a processing module, coupled to the first wireless
transceiver and the second wireless transceiver, that generates at least
one power mode signal based on first transmit power control data received
via at least one of: the first inbound RF signal from an external device
and the second first inbound RF signal from the external device; and a
power management circuit, coupled to the processing module, that adjusts,
based on the at least one power mode signal, at least one of: a first
power consumption parameter of the first power supply signal; and a
second power consumption parameter of the second power supply signal.

16. The mobile communication device of claim 15 wherein the processing
module generates the at least one power mode signal based on first
transmit power control data received via the first inbound RF signal and
based on second transmit power control data received via the second
inbound RF signal.

17. The mobile communication device of claim 15 wherein the power
management circuit adjusts the first power consumption parameter of the
first power supply signal and the second power consumption parameter of
the second power supply signal to a common value.

18. The mobile communication device of claim 15 wherein the power
management circuit adjusts the first power consumption parameter of the
first power supply signal and the second power consumption parameter of
the second power supply signal to independent values.

19. The mobile communication device of claim 15 wherein the first
transmit power control data is based on at least one of: a power
selection command received from an external device, and reception data
received from the external device.

20. The mobile communication device of claim 15 wherein the second power
consumption parameter includes one of, a power supply voltage and a power
supply current.

Description:

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present U.S. Utility patent application claims priority
pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §120, as a continuation, to the following U.S.
Utility patent application which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety and made part of the present U.S. Utility
patent application for all purposes: [0002] 1. U.S. Utility patent
application Ser. No. 13/358,325, entitled POWER CONSUMPTION MANAGEMENT IN
A MIMO TRANSCEIVER AND METHOD FOR USE THEREWITH, attorney docket number
BP6618C2, filed on Jan. 25, 2012, which application claims priority
pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §120, as a continuation, to the following U.S.
Utility patent application which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety and made part of the present U.S. Utility
patent application for all purposes: [0003] 2. U.S. Utility patent
application Ser. No. 13/152,812, entitled POWER CONSUMPTION MANAGEMENT IN
A MIMO TRANSCEIVER AND METHOD FOR USE THEREWITH, attorney docket number
BP6618C1, filed on Jun. 3, 2011 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,130,670 on
Mar. 6, 2012, which application claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C.
§120, as a continuation, to the following U.S. Utility patent
application which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety and made part of the present U.S. Utility patent application for
all purposes: [0004] 3. U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No.
11/860,355, entitled POWER CONSUMPTION MANAGEMENT IN A MIMO TRANSCEIVER
AND METHOD FOR USE THEREWITH, attorney docket number BP6618, filed on
Sep. 24, 2007 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,978,621 on Jul. 12, 2011.

[0005] The present application is further related to the following
applications:

[0006] POWER CONSUMPTION MANAGEMENT AND DATA RATE CONTROL BASED ON
TRANSMIT POWER AND METHOD FOR USE THEREWITH, having Ser. No. 11/860,623,
filed on Sep. 25, 2007, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,949,315 on May 24,
2011;

[0007] INDEPENDENT POWER CONSUMPTION MANAGEMENT IN A MIMO TRANSCEIVER AND
METHOD FOR USE THEREWITH, having Ser. No. 11/861,865, filed on Sep. 26,
2007, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,107,895 on Jan. 31, 2012; the contents of
each of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0008] 1. Technical Field of the Invention

[0009] This invention relates generally to mobile communication devices
and more particularly to a circuit for managing power in an RF integrated
circuit.

[0010] 2. Description of Related Art

[0011] As is known, integrated circuits are used in a wide variety of
products including, but certainly not limited to, portable electronic
devices, computers, computer networking equipment, home entertainment,
automotive controls and features, and home appliances. As is also known,
integrated circuits include a plurality of circuits in a very small space
to perform one or more fixed or programmable functions.

[0012] Power management can be an important consideration for electronic
devices, particularly for mobile devices that operate from battery power.
Lowering the power consumption of a device can increase battery life, or
conversely, can potentially decrease the size of the battery that is
required, with a corresponding decrease in weight and size.

[0013] The advantages of the present invention will be apparent to one
skilled in the art when presented with the disclosure herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention is directed to apparatus and methods of
operation that are further described in the following Brief Description
of the Drawings, the Detailed Description of the Invention, and the
claims. Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention
made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a
communication system in accordance with the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of another
communication system in accordance with the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an
integrated circuit in accordance with the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of an
integrated circuit in accordance with the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an RF
transceiver in accordance with the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an RF front
end in accordance with the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a radio
transmitter front-end in accordance with the present invention;

[0022]FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a power
amplifier in accordance with the present invention;

[0023]FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of another
power amplifier in accordance with the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of an RF
transceiver in accordance with the present invention;

[0025]FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of power
management circuitry in accordance with the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of power
management circuitry in accordance with the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of an RF
transceiver in accordance with the present invention;

[0028]FIG. 14 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of power
management circuitry in accordance with the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 15 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of power
management circuitry in accordance with the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 16 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of an RF
transceiver in accordance with the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 17 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of an RF
transceiver in accordance with the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 18 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of an RF
transceiver in accordance with the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 19 is a side view of a pictorial representation of an
integrated circuit package in accordance with the present invention.

[0034]FIG. 20 is a bottom view of a pictorial representation of an
integrated circuit package in accordance with the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 21 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance
with the present invention;

[0036] FIG. 22 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance
with the present invention;

[0037] FIG. 23 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance
with the present invention;

[0038] FIG. 24 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance
with the present invention;

[0039] FIG. 25 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance
with the present invention;

[0040]FIG. 26 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance
with the present invention;

[0041] FIG. 27 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance
with the present invention;

[0042] FIG. 28 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance
with the present invention;

[0043] FIG. 29 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance
with the present invention;

[0044] FIG. 30 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance
with the present invention;

[0045] FIG. 31 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance
with the present invention;

[0046]FIG. 32 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance
with the present invention;

[0047] FIG. 33 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance
with the present invention;

[0048] FIG. 34 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance
with the present invention;

[0049]FIG. 35 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance
with the present invention; and

[0050]FIG. 36 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance
with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0051] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a
communication system in accordance with the present invention. In
particular a communication system is shown that includes a communication
device 10 that communicates real-time data 24 and/or non-real-time data
26 wirelessly with one or more other devices such as base station 18,
non-real-time device 20, real-time device 22, and non-real-time and/or
real-time device 24. In addition, communication device 10 can also
optionally communicate over a wireline connection with non-real-time
device 12, real-time device 14, non-real-time and/or real-time device 16.

[0052] In an embodiment of the present invention the wireline connection
28 can be a wired connection that operates in accordance with one or more
standard protocols, such as a universal serial bus (USB), Institute of
Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 488, IEEE 1394 (Firewire),
Ethernet, small computer system interface (SCSI), serial or parallel
advanced technology attachment (SATA or PATA), or other wired
communication protocol, either standard or proprietary. The wireless
connection can communicate in accordance with a wireless network protocol
such as IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), WIMAX, or other
wireless network protocol, a wireless telephony data/voice protocol such
as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), General Packet Radio
Service (GPRS), Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution (EDGE), Personal
Communication Services (PCS), or other mobile wireless protocol or other
wireless communication protocol, either standard or proprietary. Further,
the wireless communication path can include separate transmit and receive
paths that use separate carrier frequencies and/or separate frequency
channels. Alternatively, a single frequency or frequency channel can be
used to bi-directionally communicate data to and from the communication
device 10.

[0053] Communication device 10 can be a mobile phone such as a cellular
telephone, a personal digital assistant, game console, personal computer,
laptop computer, or other device that performs one or more functions that
include communication of voice and/or data via wireline connection 28
and/or the wireless communication path. In an embodiment of the present
invention, the real-time and non-real-time devices 12, 14 16, 18, 20, 22
and 24 can be personal computers, laptops, PDAs, mobile phones, such as
cellular telephones, devices equipped with wireless local area network or
Bluetooth transceivers, FM tuners, TV tuners, digital cameras, digital
camcorders, or other devices that either produce, process or use audio,
video signals or other data or communications.

[0055] In an embodiment of the present invention, the communication device
10 includes an integrated circuit, such as a combined voice, data and RF
integrated circuit that includes one or more features or functions of the
present invention. Such integrated circuits shall be described in greater
detail in association with FIGS. 3-27 that follow.

[0056] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of another
communication system in accordance with the present invention. In
particular, FIG. 2 presents a communication system that includes many
common elements of FIG. 1 that are referred to by common reference
numerals. Communication device 30 is similar to communication device 10
and is capable of any of the applications, functions and features
attributed to communication device 10, as discussed in conjunction with
FIG. 1. However, communication device 30 includes two separate wireless
transceivers for communicating, contemporaneously, via two or more
wireless communication protocols with data device 32 and/or data base
station 34 via RF data 40 and voice base station 36 and/or voice device
38 via RF voice signals 42.

[0057]FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an
integrated circuit in accordance with the present invention. In
particular, an RF integrated circuit (IC) 50 is shown that implements
communication device 10 in conjunction with microphone 60,
keypad/keyboard 58, memory 54, speaker 62, display 56, camera 76, antenna
interface 52 and wireline port 64. In addition, RF IC 50 includes a
transceiver 73 with RF and baseband modules for formatting and modulating
data into RF real-time data 26 and non-real-time data 24 and transmitting
this data via an antenna interface 72 and an antenna. Further, RF IC 50
includes an input/output module 71 with appropriate encoders and decoders
for communicating via the wireline connection 28 via wireline port 64, an
optional memory interface for communicating with off-chip memory 54, a
codec for encoding voice signals from microphone 60 into digital voice
signals, a keypad/keyboard interface for generating data from
keypad/keyboard 58 in response to the actions of a user, a display driver
for driving display 56, such as by rendering a color video signal, text,
graphics, or other display data, and an audio driver such as an audio
amplifier for driving speaker 62 and one or more other interfaces, such
as for interfacing with the camera 76 or the other peripheral devices.

[0058] Off-chip power management circuit 95 includes one or more DC-DC
converters, voltage regulators, current regulators or other power
supplies for supplying the RF IC 50 and optionally the other components
of communication device 10 and/or its peripheral devices with supply
voltages and or currents (collectively power supply signals) that may be
required to power these devices. Off-chip power management circuit 95 can
operate from one or more batteries, line power and/or from other power
sources, not shown. In particular, off-chip power management module can
selectively supply power supply signals of different voltages, currents
or current limits or with adjustable voltages, currents or current limits
in response to power mode signals received from the RF IC 50. RF IC 50
optionally includes an on-chip power management circuit 95' for replacing
the off-chip power management circuit 95.

[0059] In an embodiment of the present invention, the RF IC 50 is a system
on a chip integrated circuit that includes at least one processing
device. Such a processing device, for instance, processing module 225,
may be a microprocessor, micro-controller, digital signal processor,
microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable gate array,
programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry, analog
circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that manipulates signals
(analog and/or digital) based on operational instructions. The associated
memory may be a single memory device or a plurality of memory devices
that are either on-chip or off-chip such as memory 54. Such a memory
device may be a read-only memory, random access memory, volatile memory,
non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory, flash memory, and/or
any device that stores digital information. Note that when the processing
module 225 implements one or more of its functions via a state machine,
analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry, the
associated memory storing the corresponding operational instructions for
this circuitry is embedded with the circuitry comprising the state
machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry.

[0060] In operation, the RF IC 50 executes operational instructions that
implement one or more of the applications (real-time or non-real-time)
attributed to communication devices 10 and 30 as discussed in conjunction
with FIGS. 1 and 2. Further, RF IC 50 includes power management features
in accordance with the present invention that will be discussed in
greater detail in association with FIGS. 5-27.

[0061] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of an
integrated circuit in accordance with the present invention. In
particular, FIG. 4 presents a communication device 30 that includes many
common elements of FIG. 3 that are referred to by common reference
numerals. RF IC 70 is similar to RF IC 50 and is capable of any of the
applications, functions and features attributed to RF IC 50 as discussed
in conjunction with FIG. 3. However, RF IC 70 includes two separate
wireless transceivers 73 and 75 for communicating, contemporaneously, via
two or more wireless communication protocols via RF data 40 and RF voice
signals 42.

[0062] In operation, the RF IC 70 executes operational instructions that
implement one or more of the applications (real-time or non-real-time)
attributed to communication device 10 as discussed in conjunction with
FIG. 1. Further, RF IC 70 includes power management features in
accordance with the present invention that will be discussed in greater
detail in association with FIGS. 5-27.

[0063] FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of an RF transceiver 125, such
as transceiver 73 or 75, which may be incorporated in communication
devices 10 and/or 30. The RF transceiver 125 includes an RF transmitter
129, an RF receiver 127 that operate in accordance with a wireless local
area network protocol, a pico area network protocol, a wireless telephony
protocol, a wireless data protocol, or other protocol. The RF receiver
127 includes a RF front end 140, a down conversion module 142, and a
receiver processing module 144. The RF transmitter 129 includes a
transmitter processing module 146, an up conversion module 148, and a
radio transmitter front-end 150.

[0064] As shown, the receiver and transmitter are each coupled to an
antenna through an off-chip antenna interface 171 and a diplexer
(duplexer) 177, that couples the transmit signal 155 to the antenna to
produce outbound RF signal 170 and couples inbound RF signal 152 to
produce received signal 153. While a single antenna is represented, the
receiver and transmitter may each employ separate antennas or share a
multiple antenna structure that includes two or more antennas. In another
embodiment, the receiver and transmitter may share a multiple input
multiple output (MIMO) antenna structure that includes a plurality of
antennas. Each antenna may be fixed, programmable, an antenna array or
other antenna configuration. Accordingly, the antenna structure of the
wireless transceiver will depend on the particular standard(s) to which
the wireless transceiver is compliant and the applications thereof.

[0065] In operation, the transmitter receives outbound data 162 from a
host device or other source via the transmitter processing module 146.
The transmitter processing module 146 processes the outbound data 162 in
accordance with a particular wireless communication standard (e.g., IEEE
802.11, Bluetooth, RFID, GSM, CDMA, et cetera) to produce baseband or low
intermediate frequency (IF) transmit (TX) signals 164. The baseband or
low IF TX signals 164 may be digital baseband signals (e.g., have a zero
IF) or digital low IF signals, where the low IF typically will be in a
frequency range of one hundred kilohertz to a few megahertz. Note that
the processing performed by the transmitter processing module 146
includes, but is not limited to, scrambling, encoding, puncturing,
mapping, modulation, and/or digital baseband to IF conversion. Further
note that the transmitter processing module 146 may be implemented using
a shared processing device, individual processing devices, or a plurality
of processing devices and may further include memory. Such a processing
device may be a microprocessor, micro-controller, digital signal
processor, microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable
gate array, programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry,
analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that manipulates
signals (analog and/or digital) based on operational instructions. The
memory may be a single memory device or a plurality of memory devices.
Such a memory device may be a read-only memory, random access memory,
volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory,
flash memory, and/or any device that stores digital information. Note
that when the processing module 146 implements one or more of its
functions via a state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry,
and/or logic circuitry, the memory storing the corresponding operational
instructions is embedded with the circuitry comprising the state machine,
analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry.

[0066] The up conversion module 148 includes a digital-to-analog
conversion (DAC) module, a filtering and/or gain module, and a mixing
section. The DAC module converts the baseband or low IF TX signals 164
from the digital domain to the analog domain. The filtering and/or gain
module filters and/or adjusts the gain of the analog signals prior to
providing it to the mixing section. The mixing section converts the
analog baseband or low IF signals into up converted signals 166 based on
a transmitter local oscillation 168.

[0067] The radio transmitter front end 150 includes a power amplifier and
may also include a transmit filter module. The power amplifier amplifies
the up converted signals 166 to produce outbound RF signals 170, which
may be filtered by the transmitter filter module, if included. The
antenna structure transmits the outbound RF signals 170 to a targeted
device such as a RF tag, base station, an access point and/or another
wireless communication device via an antenna interface 171 coupled to an
antenna that provides impedance matching and optional bandpass
filtration.

[0069] The down conversion module 70 includes a mixing section, an analog
to digital conversion (ADC) module, and may also include a filtering
and/or gain module. The mixing section converts the desired RF signal 154
into a down converted signal 156 that is based on a receiver local
oscillation 158, such as an analog baseband or low IF signal. The ADC
module converts the analog baseband or low IF signal into a digital
baseband or low IF signal. The filtering and/or gain module high pass
and/or low pass filters the digital baseband or low IF signal to produce
a baseband or low IF signal 156. Note that the ordering of the ADC module
and filtering and/or gain module may be switched, such that the filtering
and/or gain module is an analog module.

[0070] The receiver processing module 144 processes the baseband or low IF
signal 156 in accordance with a particular wireless communication
standard (e.g., IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, RFID, GSM, CDMA, et cetera) to
produce inbound data 160. The processing performed by the receiver
processing module 144 can include, but is not limited to, digital
intermediate frequency to baseband conversion, demodulation, demapping,
depuncturing, decoding, and/or descrambling. Note that the receiver
processing modules 144 may be implemented using a shared processing
device, individual processing devices, or a plurality of processing
devices and may further include memory. Such a processing device may be a
microprocessor, micro-controller, digital signal processor,
microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable gate array,
programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry, analog
circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that manipulates signals
(analog and/or digital) based on operational instructions. The memory may
be a single memory device or a plurality of memory devices. Such a memory
device may be a read-only memory, random access memory, volatile memory,
non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory, flash memory, and/or
any device that stores digital information. Note that when the receiver
processing module 144 implements one or more of its functions via a state
machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry, the
memory storing the corresponding operational instructions is embedded
with the circuitry comprising the state machine, analog circuitry,
digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry.

[0071] In operation, processing module 225 generates a transmit power
control signal 169 based on an AGC signal 141 from receiver front-end
140. RF transmitter 129, in turn, generates a transmit signal 155 having
a selected power level, wherein the selected power level is based on the
transmit power control signal 169. If, for instance, RF transceiver 125
is communicating with an external device and is receiving an inbound RF
signal 152 with high signal strength, the strength of received signal 153
will generate an AGC signal 141 that controls the gain of the RF
front-end lower and that can be used by processing module 255, via
transmit power control signal 169, to select a lower power level for
transmit signal 155. This can conserve power and possibly battery life,
when the device that incorporates RF transceiver 125 is a mobile
communication device, and can help reduce interference for other stations
in range of RF transceiver 125 that may be communicating with the same
access point or base station or that may otherwise be using the same
spectrum.

[0072] Similarly, if for instance, RF transceiver 125 is communicating
with an external device and is receiving an inbound RF signal 152 with
low signal strength, the strength of received signal 153 will generate an
AGC signal 141 that controls the gain of the RF front-end higher and that
can be used by processing module 255, via transmit power control signal
169, to select a higher power level for transmit signal 155. This can
help outbound RF signal 170 reach an external device that may be distant,
or that has an obstructed communication path to RF transceiver 125.

[0073] In an embodiment of the present invention, the processing module
225 adjusts the transmit power control signal 169 based on the AGC signal
141. For instance, the processing module 225 can include hardware,
firmware or software that, via a look-up table or algorithm, generates a
transmit power control signal 169 corresponding to a desired power level
based on the value of the AGC signal 141. In particular, RF transmitter
129 may be capable of operating at one of a plurality of power levels
(such as low, medium, high or a greater number of levels), and the
processing module 225 can generate the transmit power control signal by
comparing the AGC signal to a corresponding plurality of thresholds to
control the transmit power in accordance with the received signal
strength.

[0074] In addition, the processing module 225 can include a filter or use
other filtration to generate a filtered AGC signal and to adjust the
transmit power control signal 169 in response to the filtered AGC signal.
In this situation, the transmit power can be controlled to adjust to
slower changes in the AGC signal to avoid rapid fluctuations in the
received signal.

[0075] FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an RF front
end in accordance with the present invention. In particular, RF front end
140 includes an AGC module 336 that generates an automatic gain control
(AGC) signal 141 based on a strength of the received signal 153 and a low
noise amplifier 330, coupled to the AGC module, that amplifies the
received signal 153 based on the AGC signal 141 to produce an amplified
received signal such as desired RF signal 154. It should be noted that
AGC module 336 operates by responding to the signal strength, energy or
power in the received signal to control the gain of the low noise
amplifier 330 to a level that amplifies the signal, but avoids clipping
or saturation of the low noise amplifier 330. AGC signal 141 can be an
analog signal, a discrete time signal or a digital signal that is used by
processing module 225 as discussed in conjunction with FIG. 5.

[0076] FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a radio
transmitter front-end in accordance with the present invention. In
particular, radio transmitter front-end 150 is shown that includes a
power amplifier 180 that produces transmit signal 155 from up-converted
signal 166. In an embodiment of the present invention, power amplifier
180 includes at least one adjustable gain amplifier having a transmit
gain that is based on the transmit power control signal 169. In this
fashion, the power level of transmit signal 155 can be selected or
adjusted to a desired level, based on the transmit power control signal
169. In a particular implementation, power amplifier 180 can operate at
one of a plurality of power levels as selected by transmit power control
signal 169. Further, power supply signals 192, can either be static or
adjustable to one of a plurality of power modes to supply the necessary
power to power amplifier 180 based on the selected power level.

[0077] For example, power amplifier 180 can operate in a plurality of
power levels such as in a low, medium and high or to a greater number of
levels. The supply voltage or current limit of power supply signals 192
can be modified by the power management circuit 95 or 95' and/or
additional power supply signals 192 can be supplied, based on the
selected mode of operation. A high current limit and/or high voltage can
correspond to a high power mode. A medium current limit and/or medium
supply voltage can correspond to the medium power mode. Further, a low
current limit and/or low supply voltage can correspond to the low power
mode.

[0078]FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a power
amplifier in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment
power amplifier 180 is implemented with a plurality of separate power
amplifier stages 182, 184, 186, etc. These series configured power
amplifier stages are powered separately by power supply signals 192 that
may have different supply voltage and/or current limits. A switching
network 190 couples the transmit signal 155 from the power amplifiers
182, 184, 186, etc. in response to the transmit power control signal 169.

[0079] In a low power mode, power supply signals 192 supply power to only
power amplifier 182 designed for low power operation) and not to power
amplifiers 184 and 186, etc. The switching network 190 couples the output
183 of power amplifier 182 as the transmit signal 155. This reduces power
consumption of the circuit in this low power mode. In a medium power
mode, the output 183 of power amplifier 182 is amplified again by power
amplifier 184 to produce output 185 that is coupled by switching network
190 as transmit signal 155. In this medium power mode, only power
amplifiers 182 and 184 are fed power supply signals 192 from the power
management circuit 95 or 95' with the other power amplifiers left
unpowered. As can be seen, additional power modes can power more or all
of the power amplifier stages to supply greater output power. Only those
output stages in use are powered by power supply signals 192 in order to
conserve power.

[0080]FIG. 9 is schematic block diagram of an embodiment of another power
amplifier in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, a
parallel configuration of power amplifiers 182, 184 and 186 are
presented, each corresponding to a separate power level. For instance,
power amplifier 182 can operate at a low power range of -50 to -15 db,
power amplifier 184 can operate at a medium power range of -15 to +10 db
and power amplifier 186 can operate at a high power range of +10 to +28
db. With each range corresponding to a separate power mode, the
particular power mode can be selected based on the desired power range.
In operation, the corresponding power amplifier is supplied power by the
corresponding one of the power supply signals 192 (having a corresponding
supply voltage and/or current limit) with its output coupled as transmit
signal 155 by switching network 194. The other power amplifiers can be
left unpowered in order to conserve power.

[0081] FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of an RF
transceiver in accordance with the present invention. In particular RF
transceiver 125, such as transceiver 73 or 75, is shown in a further
embodiment that includes similar elements that are referred to by common
reference numerals. In this embodiment, processing module 225 optionally
generates transmit power control signal 169 but also generates power mode
signal 165, based on the AGC signal 141, that can be used for adjusting a
power consumption parameter of the RF IC 50 or 70, such as a power supply
voltage or current used generally or a specific power supply signal used
in powering either the RF receiver 127 or the RF transmitter 129.

[0082] For instance, a lower power mode can be selected for the RF
transmitter based 129 in the event that the AGC signal 141 indicates a
strong received signal 153 from an external device corresponding to a
desired lower power consumption and a lower power level for transmit
signal 155. In addition, to reducing the transmit power level, one or
more power consumption parameters of the power supply signals can be
adjusted in response to power mode signal 165. In an example, power
supply signals 192 can be adjusted by adding or removing a power supply
signal, for instance, as discussed in conjunction with FIGS. 8 and 9.
Further power supply signals 192 can be adjusting a power supply voltage
or current to the appropriate transmit power level.

[0083] In addition or in the alternative, power consumption parameters of
the RF receiver, the processor or other modules of RF IC 50 or 70 can be
adjusted in response to power mode signal 165. For example, a power
supply voltage or current used to power the RF receiver 127 can be
adjusted based on the expected power consumption of the RF receiver 127
determined from the AGC signal 141.

[0084] In an embodiment of the present invention, the processing module
225 adjusts the power mode signal 165 based on the AGC signal 141. For
instance, the processing module 225 can include hardware, firmware or
software that, via a look-up table or algorithm, generates a power mode
signal 165 corresponding to a desired power consumption parameters, based
on the value of the AGC signal 141.

[0085]FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of power
management circuitry in accordance with the present invention. In
particular, selected modules of RF IC 50 or 70 are shown that include RF
transceiver 125, processing module 225, memory module 230, and clock
signal generator 202. In an embodiment of the present invention, memory
module 230 stores a least one application, such as application 232 and/or
application 234 that may include any of the applications discussed in
conjunction with FIGS. 1-4, as well as other interface applications,
system utilities, or other programs executed by processing module 225 to
perform the functions and features of communication device 10 or 30.
These applications are stored in memory module 230 and/or an off-chip
memory such as memory 54, as a plurality of operational instructions.

[0086] Off-chip power management circuit 95 receives the power mode signal
165 as part of power mode signals 208 and generates a plurality of power
supply signals 204 to power off-chip modules and on-chip modules as these
modules are in use such as transmitter power supply signal 252 and
receiver supply signal 250. As discussed in conjunction with FIG. 10,
transmitter supply signal 252 and or receiver supply signal 250 can be
adjusted based on the power mode signal 165 and the current power mode.
For example, the various power modes of RF transmitter 129 can include a
low, medium and high power ranges of power levels. Power mode signal 165,
included in power mode signals 208, can inform the off-chip power
management circuit of the selected power mode of the RF transmitter 129
so that off-chip power management circuit 95 can supply the necessary
power supply signals 204 to meet the power demands of the selected mode
of operation. This methodology allows power to be generated for the RF
transmitter and/or the transmitter, only as required to address the
current power mode in use.

[0087] Also, if communication device 10 or 30 is using certain peripheral
devices and/or certain interfaces or modules at a given time, off-chip
power management circuit 95 can be commanded to supply only those power
supply signals 204 that are required based on the peripheral devices,
interfaces and/or other modules that are in use. Further, if a USB device
is coupled to wireline port 64, then a power mode command can be sent to
off-chip power management module 95 to generate a power supply signal 204
that supplies a power supply voltage, (such as a 5 volt, 8 milliamp
supply voltage) to the wireline port 64 in order to power the USB device
or devices connected thereto. In another example, if the communication
device 10 includes a mobile communication device that operates in
accordance with a GSM or EDGE wireless protocol, the off-chip power
management circuit 95 can generate supply voltages for the baseband and
RF modules of the transceiver only when the transceiver is operating.

[0088] Further, peripheral devices, such as the camera 76, memory 54,
keypad/keyboard 58, microphone 60, display 56, and speaker 62 can be
powered when these peripheral devices are attached (to the extent that
they can be detached) and to the extent that these devices are currently
in use by the application.

[0089] The power management features of the present invention operate
based on the processing module determining, for the current application
being executed with corresponding current use characteristics, the
current power mode of a plurality of power modes. In particular,
processing module 225 when executing the application, can select a
current power mode based on current use characteristics of the
application as well as the AGC signal 141 and generate a power mode
signal 208 based on the selected power modes. In an embodiment of the
present invention, processing module 225 maintains a register that
indicates for a plurality of modules, interfaces and/or peripheral
devices either, whether that device is currently being used or a power
flag, such as power off, power on, high power, low power, medium power,
etc, for that particular device, module and/or interface (when these
devices are themselves capable in operating in different power modes). In
addition, processing module, via look-up table, calculation or other
processing routine, determines power mode 208 by determining the
particular power supply signals required to be generated based on the
devices in use and optionally their own power states.

[0090] The off-chip power management circuit 95 can be implemented as a
multi-output programmable power supply, that receives the power mode
signal 208 and generates and optionally routes the power supply signals
204 to particular ports, pins or pads of RF IC 50 or 70 or directly to
peripheral devices via a switch matrix, as commanded based on the power
mode signal. In an embodiment of the present invention, the power mode
signal 208 is decoded by the off-chip power management module to
determine the particular power supply signals to be generated, and
optionally--their characteristics such as voltage, current and/or current
limit. As shown, RF IC 50 or 70 optionally generates a clock signal 206
via clock signal generator 202, or otherwise couples a clock signal 206
generated off-chip to the off-chip power management circuit 95. The
off-chip power management circuit 95 operates based on the clock signal
206.

[0091] In an embodiment of the present invention, RF IC 50 or 70 couples
the power mode signal 208 to the off-chip power management circuit 95 via
one or more dedicated digital lines that comprise a parallel interface.
Further, the RF IC 50 or 70 can couple the power mode signal 208 to the
off-chip power management circuit via a serial communication interface
such as an I2C interface, serial/deserializer (SERDES) interface or
other serial interface.

[0092] FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of power
management circuitry in accordance with the present invention. This
embodiment includes similar elements described in conjunction with FIG.
11 that are referred to by common reference numerals. In particular,
on-chip power management circuit 95' includes one or more DC-DC
converters, voltage regulators, current regulators or other power
supplies for supplying the RF IC 50 or 70, and optionally the other
components of communication device 10 and/or its peripheral devices with
supply voltages and or currents (collectively power supply signals) that
may be required to power these devices. On-chip power management circuit
95' can operate from one or more batteries, line power and/or from other
power sources, not shown. In particular, on-chip power management module
95' can selectively supply power supply signals of different voltages,
currents or current limits or with adjustable voltages, currents or
current limits in response to power mode signals 208 received from
processing module 225. In this fashion, on-chip power management circuit
95' operates as off-chip power management module 95, but on an on-chip
basis.

[0093] FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of an RF
transceiver in accordance with the present invention. In particular RF
transceiver 125, such as transceiver 73 or 75, is shown in a further
embodiment that includes similar elements that are referred to by common
reference numerals. In this embodiment, processing module 225 generates
transmit power control signal 169 and generates power mode signal 165, in
response to transmit power control data 143 received via inbound RF
signal 152 and received signal 153. In this fashion, an external device
such as a base station, access point or other remote station can provide
transmit power control data 143 to the RF transceiver in response to the
operating environment of the RF transceiver, reception characteristics,
etc.

[0094]FIG. 14 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of power
management circuitry in accordance with the present invention. This
embodiment includes similar elements described in conjunction with FIG.
11 that are referred to by common reference numerals. In this embodiment
however, power mode signals 208 include power mode signal 165 that is
generated based on transmit power control data 143 received by receiver
127 from an external device. For instance, should the external device,
based on its reception of signals from RF transceiver 125 and/or from
other devices, determine that RF transceiver 125 should increase or
decrease its transmit power or to cease transmitting altogether, the
external device can generate transmit power control data 143 that is sent
via inbound RF signal 152 to RF transceiver 125 as control data, payload
data or other signaling. In response, RF transceiver 125 receives and
decodes the transmit power control data 143 and processing module 225
generates transmit power control signal 169 that is sent to RF
transmitter front end 150 to adjust the transmit power level and power
mode signal 165 that is sent to the power management unit 95 or 95' to
adjust the transmitter supply signal 252 in accordance with the
particular transmit power level that has been selected.

[0095] FIG. 15 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of power
management circuitry in accordance with the present invention. This
embodiment includes similar elements described in conjunction with FIGS.
12 and 14 that are referred to by common reference numerals. In
particular, on-chip power management circuit 95' includes one or more
DC-DC converters, voltage regulators, current regulators or other power
supplies for supplying the RF IC 50 or 70, and optionally the other
components of communication device 10 and/or its peripheral devices with
supply voltages and or currents (collectively power supply signals) that
may be required to power these devices. On-chip power management circuit
95' can operate from one or more batteries, line power and/or from other
power sources, not shown as discussed in conjunction with FIG. 12.

[0096] FIG. 16 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of an RF
transceiver in accordance with the present invention. In particular, a
configuration is shown for transceiver 73 and/or 75 that includes
multiple RF transceivers 350, such as a RF transceiver 125, that
transmits outbound data 162 via each transceiver 350 and that can operate
as a MIMO transceiver generating inbound data 160 by combining inbound
data from each of the transceivers 350 via maximum ratio recombination or
other processing technique, or operate as communication device 30 that
includes separate transceivers operating in accordance with different
protocols. Each transceiver includes a RF transmitter, such as RF
transmitter 129, and an RF receiver, such as RF receiver 127 that share a
common antenna, that share a common antenna structure that includes
multiple antennas or that that employ separate antennas for the
transmitter and receiver. In this configuration, processing module 225
generates transmit power control signals 169, 169', etc. and power mode
signals 208 based on transmit power control data 147, 147', etcetera,
received from each of the transceivers 350.

[0097] In this embodiment of the present invention, the transmit power
control data 147, 147' can include AGC signal 141 or transmit power
control data 143 as previously described. In addition, transmit power
control data 147 can be generated based on a signal strength, a power
selection command, reception data or other data received from an external
device such as a base station, access point or other communication device
that indicates how well transmission from the transceiver 350 has been
received or otherwise indicates or commands a transmit power level for
transceiver 350 based on interference with transmissions from other
devices, power savings or other factors. Further or in the alternative,
transmit power control data 147, 147' can be a bit error rate, packet
error rate, retransmit rate, signal strength including signal power or
signal energy that is generated locally by transceiver 350 based on the
reception of inbound RF data by transceiver 350.

[0098] In an embodiment of the present invention, processing module 225
includes hardware, firmware or software to generate transmit power
control signals 169, 169' and power mode signals 208 for controlling the
receiver supply signals and transmitter supply signals 252 for each
transceiver 350 based on the an analysis of the transmit power control
data 147 from each transceiver 350.

[0099] In one example suited for a MIMO configuration, processing module
225 can generate an AGC composite signal based on the AGC signals from
each transceiver 350. For instance, the processing module 225 can compare
the AGC signals 141, 141', etc. from each of the plurality of
transceivers 350 and determine a lowest gain AGC signal that corresponds
to a highest strength of the plurality of received signals received by
the transceivers 350. In this example, the processing module can generate
the power mode signal 165 based on the lowest gain AGC signal. In other
examples, the processing module can generate the AGC composite signal
based on the mean, median or mode of the AGC signals 141, 141' or via
other combination or selection. In this example, the processing module
225 can generate the transmit power control signal 169, 169', etc. to
control the transmit power levels of the transceivers 350 to a single
common value based on the composite AGC signal, and generate power mode
signals 208 to control the receiver supply signals 250 and transmitter
supply signals 252 to corresponding levels, based either on the composite
AGC signal or based on the value of the transmit power level that was
selected. In this fashion, each transceiver 350 transmits at the same
power level, and has the same power consumption parameters, based on the
highest gain received signal, or some averaging of the AGC signals 141,
141', etc. As will be understood, other forms of transmit power control
data 147, as discussed above, can likewise be used from each of the
transceivers 350 to control the transmit power levels and consumption
parameters for each of the transceivers to common values.

[0100] It should also be noted that processing module 225 can generate
transmit power control signals 169, 169' and power mode signals 208 for
controlling the receiver supply signals and transmitter supply signals
252 for each transceiver 350 based on the an analysis of the transmit
power control data 147 from less than all of the transceivers 350. If for
instance, two transceivers 350 operate under different protocols but
share a common frequency band, such as a Bluetooth transceiver and a WLAN
transceiver, a command to reduce power level received via the Bluetooth
receiver as transmit power control data 147 could be used by processing
module 225 to reduce the transmit power level for all transceivers 350
that share that same frequency band. In other examples, transmit power
control data received via a wireless telephony transceiver such as a GSM
transceiver could be used to control the transmit power level of an
associated WLAN transceiver or Bluetooth transceiver, etcetera, with
commensurate changes to power consumption parameters of the power
supplies signals that feed these devices.

[0101] In another embodiment of the present invention, the processing
module selects transmit power levels and power consumption parameters for
the transceivers 350 independently, based on the transmit power control
data 147 or 147' of that particular transceiver. In other words, the
independent values of the power level selected for the RF transmitter of
each of the plurality of transceivers 350 are based on the transmit power
control data from the RF receivers from the same RF transceiver. For
example, if transmit power control data 147 corresponds to a medium
signal strength and transmit power control data 147' corresponds to a
high signal strength, transmit power control signal 169 can be chosen to
correspond to a medium power level and transmit power control signal 169'
can be chosen to correspond to a high power level, with power mode
signals 208 controlling the transmitter supply signals 252 individually
to the transceivers 350 in a fashion to supply the voltage and current
necessary to operate at these two power levels.

[0102] FIG. 17 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of an RF
transceiver in accordance with the present invention. In particular, a
configuration is shown for transceiver 73 and/or 75 that includes similar
elements to FIG. 16 that are referred to by common reference numerals. In
this embodiment multiple RF transceivers 350, such as a RF transceiver
125, operate as a MIMO transceiver that transmits outbound data 162 via
each transceiver 350 and that generates inbound data 160 by combining
inbound data from each of the transceivers 350 via maximum ratio
recombination or other processing technique. In this configuration,
processing module 225 generates transmit power control signals 169, 169',
etc. based on signal strength indications 139, 139', etcetera, received
from each of the transceivers 350 and the power mode signals 208 in
accordance with the selected transmit power for each transceiver 350. The
signal strength indications 139 and 139' can be a bit error rate, packet
error rate, retransmit rate, signal power, signal energy or other
indication of signal strength that is generated locally by transceiver
350 based on the reception of inbound RF data by transceiver 350.

[0103] In this embodiment, processing module 225 selects transmit power
levels for the transceivers 350 independently, based on the signal
strength indication 139 or 139' of that particular transceiver. In other
words, the independent values of the power level selected for the RF
transmitter of each of the plurality of transceivers 350 are based on the
signal strength indication from the RF receivers from the same RF
transceiver. In this case, the processing module 225 generates the
transmit power control signals 169, 169' for each RF transceiver 350 to
control the selected power level of at least one RF transceiver 350 to a
first value and the selected power level of at least one other RF
transceiver 350 to a second value.

[0104] For example, if signal strength indication 139 corresponds to a
medium signal strength and signal strength indication 139' corresponds to
a high signal strength, transmit power control signal 169 can be chosen
to correspond to a medium power level and transmit power control signal
169' can be chosen to correspond to a high power level, with power mode
signals 208 controlling the transmitter supply signals 252 individually
to the transceivers 350 in a fashion to supply the voltage and current
necessary to operate at these two power levels.

[0105] FIG. 18 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of an RF
transceiver in accordance with the present invention. In particular RF
transceiver 125, such as transceiver 73 or 75, is shown in a further
embodiment that includes similar elements that are referred to by common
reference numerals. In this embodiment, RF transmitter 129 transmits a
transmit signal 155 at a selectable transmit power based on a transmit
power control signal 169 and at a selectable data rate based on a
transmit data rate signal 167 supplied to transmitter processing module
146, and incorporated into the data rate of baseband or low IF transmit
signal 164. The processing module, in turn, generates the transmit data
rate signal 167 based on a value of the transmit power control signal
169. In this fashion, when signal strength indication 139 or transmit
power control data 147 from either RF front-end 140 or receiver
processing module 144, indicates to processing module 225 that the
transmit power level of RF transmitter 129 should be adjusted, transmit
data rate signal 167 can also be generated to adjust the data rate to
adapt to the new transmit power level. For instance, when a command is
received to reduce the transmit power level from an external device, due
to reduce possible interference, the transmit data rate can be reduced to
avoid loss of data and potentially provide greater data throughput, based
on this reduced power level.

[0106] FIG. 19 is a side view of a pictorial representation of an
embodiment of an integrated circuit package in accordance with the
present invention. Voice data and RF IC 325, such as RF IC 50 or 70,
includes a system on a chip (SoC) die 300, a memory die 302 a substrate
306, bonding pads 308 and power management unit (PMU) 308, such as
on-chip power management circuit 95'. This figure is not drawn to scale,
rather it is meant to be a pictorial representation that illustrates the
juxtaposition of the SoC die 300, memory die 302, PMU 304 and the bonding
pads 308. In particular, the voice data and RF IC 325 is integrated in a
package with a top and a bottom having a plurality of bonding pads 308 to
connect the voice data and RF IC 325 to a circuit board, and wherein the
on-chip power management unit 325 is integrated along the bottom of the
package. In an embodiment of the present invention, die 302 includes the
memory module 230 and die 300 includes the processing module 225. These
dies are stacked and die bonding is employed to connect these two
circuits and minimize the number of bonding pads, (balls) out to the
package. Both SoC die 300 and memory die 302 are coupled to respective
ones of the bonding pads 308 via bonding wires or other connections.

[0107] PMU 304 is coupled to the SoC die 300, and/or the memory die 302
via conductive vias, bonding wires, bonding pads or by other connections.
The positioning of the PMU on the bottom of the package in a flip chip
configuration allows good heat dissipation of the PMU 304 to a circuit
board when the voice data and RF integrated circuit is installed.

[0108]FIG. 20 is a bottom view of a pictorial representation of an
embodiment of an integrated circuit package in accordance with the
present invention. As shown, the bonding pads (balls) 308 are arrayed in
an area of the bottom of the integrated circuit with an open center
portion 310 and wherein the on-chip power management unit (PMU 304) is
integrated in the open center portion. While a particular pattern and
number of bonding pads 308 are shown, a greater or lesser number of
bonding pads can likewise be employed with alternative configurations
within the broad scope of the present invention.

[0109] FIG. 21 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance
with the present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use
in conjunction with one or more of the functions and features described
in conjunction with FIGS. 1-20. In step 400, a received signal is
received from an external device. In step 402, an automatic gain control
(AGC) signal is generated based on a strength of the received signal. In
step 404, the received signal is amplified based on the AGC signal. In
step 406, a transmit power control signal is generated based on the AGC
signal. In step 408, a transmit signal is generated at a selected power
level, wherein the selected power level is based on the transmit power
control signal.

[0110] In an embodiment of the present invention, step 406 can include
comparing the AGC signal to a plurality of thresholds. Step 408 can
include adjusting a transmit gain of at least one adjustable gain
amplifier based on the transmit power control signal, selecting at least
one of a plurality of series configured power amplifiers based on the
transmit power control signal or selecting at least one of a plurality of
parallel configured power amplifiers based on the transmit power control
signal and can operate in accordance with at least one of, a wireless
local area network protocol, a pico area network protocol, a wireless
telephony protocol, and a wireless data protocol. Step 400 can operate in
accordance with at least one of, a wireless local area network protocol,
a pico area network protocol, a wireless telephony protocol, and a
wireless data protocol.

[0111] FIG. 22 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance
with the present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use
in conjunction with one or more of the functions and features described
in conjunction with FIG. 21. In step 410, the transmit power control
signal is adjusted based on the AGC signal.

[0112] FIG. 23 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance
with the present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use
in conjunction with one or more of the functions and features described
in conjunction with FIGS. 21-22. In step 420, the AGC signal is filtered
to generate a filtered AGC signal. In step 422, the transmit power
control signal is adjusted in response to the filtered AGC signal.

[0113] FIG. 24 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance
with the present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use
in conjunction with one or more of the functions and features described
in conjunction with FIGS. 1-23. In step 430, a received signal is
received from an external device. In step 432, an automatic gain control
(AGC) signal is generated based on a strength of the received signal. In
step 434, the received signal is amplified based on the AGC signal. In
step 436, a power mode signal is generated based on the AGC signal. In
step 438, a power consumption parameter of an IC is adjusted, based on
the power mode signal.

[0114] In an embodiment of the present invention, step 438 can include
generating a plurality of power supply signals based on the power mode
signal, generating an additional transmitter power supply signal,
generating a first transmitter power supply signal having a first current
limit in response to a first value of the power mode signal, and a second
transmitter power supply signal having a second current limit in response
to a second value of the power mode signal and/or generating a first
transmitter power supply signal having a first supply voltage in response
to a first value of the power mode signal, and a second transmitter power
supply signal having a second supply voltage in response to a second
value of the power mode signal. The power consumption parameter can
include a power supply voltage and/or a power supply current.

[0115] Step 436 can include comparing the AGC signal to a plurality of
thresholds and/or filtering the AGC signal to generate a filtered AGC
signal and adjusting the power mode signal in response to the filtered
AGC signal.

[0116] Step 430 can selectively operate in accordance with at least two
of, a wireless local area network protocol, a pico area network protocol,
a wireless telephony protocol, and a wireless data protocol.

[0117] FIG. 25 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance
with the present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use
in conjunction with one or more of the functions and features described
in conjunction with FIG. 24. In step 440, a transmit signal is generated
in a selected one of a plurality of operating ranges based on the power
mode signal.

[0118]FIG. 26 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance
with the present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use
in conjunction with one or more of the functions and features described
in conjunction with FIGS. 1-25. In step 450, a transmit signal is
transmitted at a selectable transmit power, based on a transmit power
control signal. In step 452, a received signal is received from an
external device, the received signal including transmit power control
data. In step 454, the transmit power control signal is generated based
on the transmit power control data. In step 456 a power mode signal is
generated based on the transmit power control data. In step 458, a power
consumption parameter of at least one of, an RF receiver and an RF
transmitter, is generated based on the power mode signal.

[0119] In an embodiment of the present invention the power consumption
parameter includes a power supply voltage and/or power supply current.
Step 458 can include generating a first transmitter power supply signal
having a first current limit in response to a first value of the power
mode signal, and a second transmitter power supply signal having a second
current limit in response to a second value of the power mode signal,
generating a first transmitter power supply signal having a first supply
voltage in response to a first value of the power mode signal, and a
second transmitter power supply signal having a second supply voltage in
response to a second value of the power mode signal, generating a first
receiver power supply signal having a first current limit in response to
a first value of the power mode signal, and a second receiver power
supply signal having a second current limit in response to a second value
of the power mode signal, and/or generating a first receiver power supply
signal having a first supply voltage in response to a first value of the
power mode signal, and a second receiver power supply signal having a
second supply voltage in response to a second value of the power mode
signal.

[0120] Step 452 can operate in accordance with at least one of, a wireless
local area network protocol, a pico area network protocol, a wireless
telephony protocol, and a wireless data protocol.

[0121] FIG. 27 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance
with the present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use
in conjunction with one or more of the functions and features described
in conjunction with FIGS. 1-26. In step 460, a received signal is
received using an RF receiver. In step 462, an automatic gain control
(AGC) signal is generated based on a strength of the received signal. In
step 464, the received signal is amplified based on the AGC signal. In
step 466, a power mode signal is generated based on the AGC signal. In
step 468, a transmit signal is generated using an RF transmitter. In step
469, a power consumption parameter of at least one of, an RF receiver and
an RF transmitter, is adjusted based on the power mode signal.

[0122] In an embodiment of the present invention, the power consumption
parameter includes a power supply voltage and/or a power supply current.
Step 469 can include generating a first transmitter power supply signal
having a first current limit in response to a first value of the power
mode signal, and a second transmitter power supply signal having a second
current limit in response to a second value of the power mode signal,
generating a first transmitter power supply signal having a first supply
voltage in response to a first value of the power mode signal, and a
second transmitter power supply signal having a second supply voltage in
response to a second value of the power mode signal, generating a first
receiver power supply signal having a first current limit in response to
a first value of the power mode signal, and a second receiver power
supply signal having a second current limit in response to a second value
of the power mode signal, and/or generating a first receiver power supply
signal having a first supply voltage in response to a first value of the
power mode signal, and a second receiver power supply signal having a
second supply voltage in response to a second value of the power mode
signal.

[0123] Step 460 can operate in accordance with at least one of, a wireless
local area network protocol, a pico area network protocol, a wireless
telephony protocol, and a wireless data protocol.

[0124] FIG. 28 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance
with the present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use
in conjunction with one or more of the functions and features described
in conjunction with FIGS. 1-27. In step 470, a plurality of received
signals are received. In step 472, a plurality of automatic gain control
(AGC) signals are generated, wherein each of the plurality of automatic
gain control (AGC) signals is based on a strength for a corresponding one
of the plurality of received signals. In step 474, each of the plurality
of received signals are amplified based on a corresponding one of the
plurality of AGC signals. In step 476, a power mode signal is generated
based on the plurality of AGC signals. In step 478, a power consumption
parameter of an IC is adjusted based on the power mode signal.

[0125] In an embodiment of the present invention, step 478 can include
generating a plurality of power supply signals based on the power mode
signal, generating at least one transmitter power supply signal in
response to the power mode signal, generating an additional transmitter
power supply signal in response to the power mode signal, generating a
first transmitter power supply signal having a first current limit in
response to a first value of the power mode signal, and a second
transmitter power supply signal having a second current limit in response
to a second value of the power mode signal, and/or generating a first
transmitter power supply signal having a first supply voltage in response
to a first value of the power mode signal, and a second transmitter power
supply signal having a second supply voltage in response to a second
value of the power mode signal.

[0126] The power consumption parameter can include a power supply voltage
and/or a power supply current. Step 476 can include comparing the
plurality of AGC signals, determining a lowest gain AGC signal, from the
plurality of AGC signals, that corresponds to a highest strength of the
corresponding one of the plurality of received signals, and generating
the power mode signal based on the lowest gain AGC signal. Step 476 can
include determining an AGC composite signal from the plurality of AGC
signals, generating the power mode signal based on the AGC composite
signal. The AGC composite signal can include one of, a mode of the
plurality of AGC signals, a median of the plurality of AGC signals, and a
mean of the plurality of AGC signals.

[0127] FIG. 29 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance
with the present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use
in conjunction with one or more of the functions and features described
in conjunction with FIGS. 1-28. In step 480 a plurality of received
signals are received. In step 482, a plurality of automatic gain control
(AGC) signals are generated, wherein each of the plurality of automatic
gain control (AGC) signals is based on a strength for a corresponding one
of the plurality of received signals. In step 484, each of the plurality
of received signals are amplified based on a corresponding one of the
plurality of AGC signals. In step 486, a transmit power control signal is
generated based on the plurality of AGC signals. In step 488, a plurality
of transmit signals are generated, each having a selected power level,
wherein the selected power level of each of the plurality of transmit
signals is based on the transmit power control signal.

[0128] Step 486 can include comparing the plurality of AGC signals,
determining a lowest gain AGC signal, from the plurality of AGC signals,
that corresponds to a highest strength of the corresponding one of the
plurality of received signals, and generating the transmit power control
signal based on the lowest gain AGC signal. Step 486 can include
comparing the lowest gain AGC signal to a plurality of thresholds. Step
486 can include determining an AGC composite signal from the plurality of
AGC signals, generating the transmit power control signal based on the
AGC composite signal. The AGC composite signal can include one of, a mode
of the plurality of AGC signals, a median of the plurality of AGC
signals, and a mean of the plurality of AGC signals.

[0129] Step 486 can include comparing the composite AGC signal to a
plurality of thresholds. The transmit power control signal can controls
the selected power level of each of the plurality of transmit signals to
a common value. The transmit power control signal can include a plurality
of individual transmit power control signals that control the selected
power level of each of the plurality of transmit signals to independent
values.

[0130] Step 486 can include filtering each of the plurality of AGC signals
to generate a corresponding plurality of filtered AGC signals, and the
method can further include adjusting the transmit power control based on
the plurality of filtered AGC signals.

[0131] FIG. 30 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance
with the present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use
in conjunction with one or more of the functions and features described
in conjunction with FIGS. 1-29. In step 500, a first inbound RF signal is
received via a first wireless transceiver. In step 502, a first outbound
RF signal is transmitted at a first selectable power level via the first
wireless transceiver, wherein the first selectable power level is
selected based a first transmit power control signal. In step 504, a
second inbound RF signal is received via a second wireless transceiver.
In step 506, a second outbound RF signal is transmitted at a second
selectable power level via the second wireless transceiver, wherein the
second selectable power level is generated based on a second transmit
power control signal. In step 508, the first transmit power control
signal and the second transmit power control signal are generated based
on first transmit power control data generated by the first wireless
transceiver.

[0132] In an embodiment of the present invention, generating the first
transmit power control signal and the second transmit power control
signal in step 508 is further based on second transmit power control data
generated by the second wireless transceiver. Further, step 508 can
include controlling the first selectable power level and the second
selectable power level to a common value or controlling the first
selectable power level and the second selectable power level to
independent values.

[0133] FIG. 31 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance
with the present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use
in conjunction with one or more of the functions and features described
in conjunction with FIGS. 1-30. In step 510, a first inbound RF signal is
received and a first outbound RF signal is transmitted via a first
wireless transceiver that operates based on a first power supply signal.
In step 512, a second inbound RF signal and a second outbound RF signal
is transmitted via a second wireless transceiver that that operates based
on a second power supply signal. In step 514, at least one power mode
signal is generated based on first transmit power control data generated
by the first wireless transceiver. In step 516, a first power consumption
parameter of the first power supply signal is adjusted and a second power
consumption parameter of the second power supply signal is adjusted based
on the at least one power mode signal.

[0134] In an embodiment of the present invention, step 514 is further
based on second transmit power control data generated by the second
wireless transceiver. Step 516 can include adjusting the first power
consumption parameter of the first power supply signal and the second
power consumption parameter of the second power supply signal to a common
value or adjusting the first power consumption parameter of the first
power supply signal and the second power consumption parameter of the
second power supply signal to independent values. The second power
consumption parameter can include one of, a power supply voltage and a
power supply current.

[0135]FIG. 32 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance
with the present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use
in conjunction with one or more of the functions and features described
in conjunction with FIGS. 1-31. In step 600 a transmit power control
signal is generated. In step 602, a transmit data rate signal is
generated based on a value of the transmit power control signal. In step
604, the transmit signal is transmitted at a selectable transmit power
based on the transmit power control signal and at a selectable data rate
based on the transmit data rate signal.

[0136] In an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the power
consumption parameter includes a power supply voltage or a power supply
current. The power mode signal can be generated based on the value of the
transmit power control signal.

[0137] FIG. 33 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance
with the present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use
in conjunction with one or more of the functions and features described
in conjunction with FIG. 32. In step 610, a power mode signal is
generated. In step 613, a power consumption parameter of the RF
transmitter is adjusted based on the power mode signal.

[0138] FIG. 34 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance
with the present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use
in conjunction with one or more of the functions and features described
in conjunction with FIGS. 32 and 33. In step 620, a plurality of power
supply signals are generated including a transmitter supply signal, and
wherein the power consumption parameter of step 612 is a parameter of the
transmitter supply signal.

[0139]FIG. 35 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance
with the present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use
in conjunction with one or more of the functions and features described
in conjunction with FIGS. 1-34. In step 700, a corresponding power level
for a plurality of RF transmitters is selected based on a plurality of
transmit power control signals. In step 702, each of a plurality of
transmit signals are transmitted at the corresponding power level. In
step 704, a plurality of received signals are received from an external
device via a corresponding plurality of RF receivers, each of the
corresponding plurality of RF receivers corresponding to one of the
plurality of RF transmitters. In step 706, a signal strength indication
is generated corresponding to each of the plurality of received signals.
In step 708, the plurality of transmit power control signals are
generated based on the signal strength indication of the corresponding
plurality of RF receivers. In step 710, a plurality of power mode signals
are generated in accordance with the corresponding power level for the
plurality of RF transmitters. In step 712, a plurality of power
consumption parameters for the plurality of RF transmitters are adjusted
based on the plurality of power mode signals.

[0140] In an embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the
plurality of power consumption parameters includes a power supply voltage
or a power supply current.

[0141]FIG. 36 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance
with the present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use
in conjunction with one or more of the functions and features described
in conjunction with FIGS. 1-35. In step 800, a plurality of received
signals are received from an external device via a plurality of RF
receivers. In step 802, a signal strength indication is generated
corresponding to each of the plurality of received signals. In step 804,
a corresponding power level for each of a plurality of RF transmitters is
selected, each of the plurality of RF transmitters corresponding to one
of the plurality of RF receivers, wherein the corresponding power level
for each of the plurality of RF transmitters is selected based on the
signal strength indication of the corresponding one of the plurality of
RF receivers. In step 806, a corresponding power consumption parameter
for the plurality of RF transmitters is adjusted based on the
corresponding power level.

[0142] As may be used herein, the terms "substantially" and
"approximately" provides an industry-accepted tolerance for its
corresponding term and/or relativity between items. Such an
industry-accepted tolerance ranges from less than one percent to fifty
percent and corresponds to, but is not limited to, component values,
integrated circuit process variations, temperature variations, rise and
fall times, and/or thermal noise. Such relativity between items ranges
from a difference of a few percent to magnitude differences. As may also
be used herein, the term(s) "coupled to" and/or "coupling" and/or
includes direct coupling between items and/or indirect coupling between
items via an intervening item (e.g., an item includes, but is not limited
to, a component, an element, a circuit, and/or a module) where, for
indirect coupling, the intervening item does not modify the information
of a signal but may adjust its current level, voltage level, and/or power
level. As may further be used herein, inferred coupling (i.e., where one
element is coupled to another element by inference) includes direct and
indirect coupling between two items in the same manner as "coupled to".
As may even further be used herein, the term "operable to" indicates that
an item includes one or more of power connections, input(s), output(s),
etc., to perform one or more its corresponding functions and may further
include inferred coupling to one or more other items. As may still
further be used herein, the term "associated with", includes direct
and/or indirect coupling of separate items and/or one item being embedded
within another item. As may be used herein, the term "compares
favorably", indicates that a comparison between two or more items,
signals, etc., provides a desired relationship. For example, when the
desired relationship is that signal 1 has a greater magnitude than signal
2, a favorable comparison may be achieved when the magnitude of signal 1
is greater than that of signal 2 or when the magnitude of signal 2 is
less than that of signal 1.

[0143] The present invention has also been described above with the aid of
method steps illustrating the performance of specified functions and
relationships thereof. The boundaries and sequence of these functional
building blocks and method steps have been arbitrarily defined herein for
convenience of description. Alternate boundaries and sequences can be
defined so long as the specified functions and relationships are
appropriately performed. Any such alternate boundaries or sequences are
thus within the scope and spirit of the claimed invention.

[0144] The present invention has been described above with the aid of
functional building blocks illustrating the performance of certain
significant functions. The boundaries of these functional building blocks
have been arbitrarily defined for convenience of description. Alternate
boundaries could be defined as long as the certain significant functions
are appropriately performed. Similarly, flow diagram blocks may also have
been arbitrarily defined herein to illustrate certain significant
functionality. To the extent used, the flow diagram block boundaries and
sequence could have been defined otherwise and still perform the certain
significant functionality. Such alternate definitions of both functional
building blocks and flow diagram blocks and sequences are thus within the
scope and spirit of the claimed invention. One of average skill in the
art will also recognize that the functional building blocks, and other
illustrative blocks, modules and components herein, can be implemented as
illustrated or by discrete components, application specific integrated
circuits, processors executing appropriate software and the like or any
combination thereof.